The Most Photogenic Spots in Grindelwald Switzerland

Grindelwald is an entry point to the Swiss Alps, from which point you can access a myriad of mountainous viewpoints. These are accessible through cable cars and trains that travel up the mountains, as well as by hiking trail. So depending on your desired budget and activity level, there are a ton of different options for exploring some of the most photogenic spots in Grindelwald Switzerland.

These vantage points are a good choice in any season, it will just require different gear in different seasons. For instance, when I was in Grindelwald in October I was able to take the cable car up and walk about, but I did need a warm winter coat. In the summer you would do more hiking, and in the winter you might ride up to ski down. It’s a really versatile region like that!

The Most Photogenic Spots in Grindelwald Switzerland

1 | First

First and foremost is First! That’s pronounced “firscht” and it’s one of my favorite spots in all of Switzerland. They have built a walkway that extends out over the cliff’s edge, which takes some nerves to walk on. But the views here are really unbelievable because you can see the whole mountain range from up here. Take the cable car up, it costs 58CHF, takes a half hour, and the views are insane!

First, Grindelwald, Switzerland // Brittany from Boston

2 | Jungfrau

The Jungfrau is dubbed the Top of Europe, and from here you can see Aletsch Glacier, the largest in Europe! It’s definitely the top attraction in the region, and it’s got a pricetag to match. A train ride up the Jungfraujoch viewing point costs 190CHF, and takes 1 ½ hours. The weather will dictate the value of this experience. This ranges from utterly useless when the clouds prevent you seeing past the end of your nose, to the most spectacular view in the world on a clear and cloudless day. Because it’s so expensive, I recommend not booking in advance, but rather waiting to see how the weather is.

Jungfraujoch, Jungfrau, Switzerland // Jungfrau.ch

3 | Bachalpsee

Bachalpsee is accessible from the top of First, by hiking along the trail for an hour past the cable car station. This view is of a lake in front of the mountain peaks, so you actually get double the views when you include the reflection in the lake’s water! The hike to get there is not technically difficult but it will be a 2 hour round-trip hike, so make sure you have the appropriate supplies.

Bachalpsee, First, Switzerland // flickr: Philipp Häfeli

4 | Grindelwald Grund

Down into the valley from Grindelwald is Grindelwald Grund. Take the 20-30 minute walk out of town to this verdant valley and you’ll be able to take in the views of the surrounding mountains unobscured by the city’s buildings. It’s a fun and free little adventure to take if you’re already in Grindelwald, and the views are really nice!

Grindelwald Grund, Switzerland // Brittany from Boston

5 | Mannlichen

While it’s not the highest peak in the region, Mannlichen is actually positioned to offer some of the best views of those higher peaks. Take the gondola cableway from Grindelwald Grund up to Mannlichen (30 minutes, 30CHF), and you’ll be treated to views of the Jungfrau, Eiger, and Monch peaks. In fact, if you’ve seen photos of the Swiss Alps, they almost certainly included views from here. It’s highly photogenic!

Mannlichen, Switzerland // Blaine Harrington Photography

6 | Eiger Trail

Eiger ranks among the big 3 mountains in the Grindelwald region, alongside Jungfrau and Monch. It’s a massively impressive peak, the North Face of which is famous for the challenge it presents to experienced climbers. Get the best views of the Eiger from the Eiger Trail, which takes half a day and ascends from Grindelwald up to Eigergletscher train station. Bring binoculars and try to spot climbers hanging off the side of the North Face during your hike!

Eiger Trail, Grindelwald, Switzerland // MySwitzerland.com

7 | Grosse Scheidegg

Another great hiking trail from the Grindelwald area, is Gross Scheidegg. It offers views of all the region’s biggest mountains, along with clear lakes that reflect the mountain views and verdant hillsides dotted with mountain cows. To get there you can take the bus up to Grosse Scheidegg, and then take the half day hike back to Grindelwald via First and Bort.

Grosse Scheidegg, Grindelwald, Switzerland // GrindelwaldBus.ch

8 | Monch

If this mountain was placed anywhere else in the world, it would be the most impressive view in its surrounding area. Unfortunately for Monch, it’s often overshadowed by Jungfrau and Eiger. If you’re looking to do some hiking in the Swiss Alps, then you should hire a guide to take you up to the summit of Monch (will cost a few hundred Swiss Francs). It’s not as easily accessible as some of these other photogenic spots in Grindelwald, but you can be sure that the views here are worth the hike to see them!